Cultivating the Next Generation

Norwich Hosts “Nucleus ’05” for Future Leaders

"Honored ... thrilled ... motivated ... inspired."

Such were the feelings expressed by forty-one Norwich alumni after a three-day executive leadership retreat with President Schneider, General Sullivan ’59, Fred Haynes ’58 and a team from the Office of Institutional Advancement.

The first-ever "NUcleus" event was held early November in Atlanta, Georgia, at the JW Marriott in Buckhead.

A select group of alumni spanning the classes 1979 through 1991 included "C-level" executives, business owners, general managers, partners, managing partners and a senior level Naval officer. These Norwich graduates have distinguished themselves by way of a proven track record in leadership and business.

General Sullivan referred to NUcleus ’05 as a process – an unfolding of a vision that will culminate years from now.

"We have planted a garden which represents the next generation of Norwich leaders," said General Sullivan.

The NUcleus concept grew out of a need to provide an innovative approach to grooming future caretakers of Norwich University. During the retreat, alumni were exposed to cutting-edge information on a range of strategic topics, most notably in a charismatic address by keynote speaker Pat Williams – Executive Vice President of the Orlando Magic (NBA).

"NUcleus will be a bi-annual event for leaders and visionaries, and we expect the pool of participants to grow," said Rick Van Arnam, Assistant Vice President for Advancement and director of the NUcleus event.

Attendees received first-hand knowledge about NU2019, the strategic plan of Norwich University, from President Schneider, as well as sage counsel from General Sullivan and other Trustees. Participants also took advantage of social time to bond and network with fellow alums.

"We're looking fifteen years into the future and planning for it now," said President Schneider. "NUcleus will expand over time and become a rich estuary of hand-selected alumni who will be prepared to step into leadership roles as our bicentennial approaches."

Pat Williams, Vice President of the Orlando Magic, was the keynote speaker at NUcleus ’05. He says effective leaders share seven traits. These characteristics are the pillars that support a successful organization and are the core tenets of Norwich's guiding values.